Am I covered for Zika Virus?

This information is for residents of Helpdesk Global only.

What’s Zika Virus

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil and on Feb 1, 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Zika virus a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). Local transmission has been reported in many other countries and territories. Zika virus likely will continue to spread to new areas."

Of particular concern is for pregnant women who may visit areas affected, as Zika virus can be spread to unborn children and has been linked to a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly. The CDC recommends "special precautions for pregnant women. Pregnant women should consider delaying travel to areas with Zika. If you must travel to one of these areas, talk to your healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip."

Where is the world is Zika virus?

Specific areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission is ongoing are often difficult to determine and are likely to change over time. If traveling, please visit the CDC Travelers' Health site for the most updated travel information." For more information, you can also visit our travel alert, which has been written for travel to the Americas, however contains useful advice on how to stay safe when travelling in any country where Zika virus may be present.

What’s covered

If, prior to your departure from your country of residence and after you bought your policy and paid for your trip, you are unexpectedly hospitalised as a result of an acute serious illness or acute serious injury and/or you are declared medically unfit to travel, there is cover for your non-refundable cancellation expenses.

If you’re travelling and are hospitalised from a sudden and acute illness or injury (except after the 26th week of pregnancy and after the 18th week of pregnancy when the pregnancy is the result of fertility treatment and/or you are expecting more than one child), there is cover for overseas medical expenses, medical evacuation (where pre-authorised),and trip interruption expenses.

There is no cover if you contract the illness or suffer an injury prior to buying the policy or policy extension (or during any waiting period); for any pre-existing medical condition (as defined in the policy) or for epidemics which have been placed under the direction of the public authorities. Cover is also not provided if you travel against the advice of a medical practitioner, if you have a pre-existing medical condition as defined in your policy, or for normal costs associated with pregnancy for example: routine pre-natal care, fertility treatments, elective abortions or delivery/caesareans during your trip.

Some travellers may prefer to cancel their trip out of concern for the Zika Virus. World Nomads plans underwritten by Bupa Global Travel do not provide coverage to cancel for other reasons, including a fear of contracting Zika Virus.

Cover is subject to the conditions and exclusions in your policy wording, so please do read your policy carefully. If you have questions about coverage, please contact our Sydney, Australia Customer Service Centre - Write to us or call:
+61 2 8263 0400 (from any country)
1300 787 375 (local call within Australia only)